Swedish Weaving History
Swedish weaving is a form of embroidery. It became popular in the United States in the 1930s. This type of embroidery uses yarn or embroidery floss to produce a design on Huck toweling or Monk's cloth. The design is worked on the back side of the fabric. The technique is a combination of embroidery, darning and weaving. Because of the frequent use of Huck toweling as a material, Swedish weaving is also known as Huck embroidery or Huck weaving.
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Origins
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The Swedish weaving technique has been found on linens from the 17th century. The exact origin of this technique is unknown. However, due to the large number of Swedish linens decorated in this style, the technique became known as Swedish weaving.
Popularity in the United States
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Swedish weaving surged in popularity in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s. Schoolgirls frequently learned the technique, and homemakers used it to decorate various items in their homes. Swedish weaving was frequently used to adorn dishtowels. As automatic dishwashers became increasingly popular in the 1950s, dishtowels declined in popularity. As a result, Swedish weaving became less popular. In recent years, the technique has reemerged among crafters. They are now using it to create decorative throws, pillows, wall hangings, table linens and pictures. The craft's resurgence is attributed to widespread popularity of Aida cloth and the increase in novelty fibers on the market.
Popular Designs
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Many of the patterns used for Swedish weaving feature abstract designs. Pyramid-like shapes are also very common. Many of the traditional designs use several shades of one or two colors to create the pattern. Contemporary patterns make use of the traditional designs but often include more color. Popular color schemes for Swedish weaving include a monochromatic palette of blues, pinks, browns and greens. Contemporary color combinations include light and dark plum with hunter green and buff, light and medium blue with yellow on a white background, and light, medium and dark shades of sage green with rose. Variegated yarns can also be used for this craft.
Materials
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The materials used for Swedish weaving have not changed over the years. Monk's cloth is frequently used as the base for this technique. It features a loose over and under weave with eight rows per inch. The fabric is 100 percent cotton. Monk's cloth is available in a variety of colors including white, blue, black, brown, pink and yellow. It can also be dyed. Another popular material for Swedish weaving is Huck cloth. The pattern on Huck cloth runs in one direction. It can also be dyed to match your project. Aida cloth (a cloth frequently used for counted cross stitch) can also be used. Four-ply yarn or six-ply embroidery floss is used to create the pattern.
Basic Techniques
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The same basic Swedish weaving techniques have been in use for centuries. The pattern is worked from the center of the design outward to the edges. This prevents the yarn from being overworked. The edging is an important part of any Swedish weaving design. Edges may be fringed with the yarn or thread or sewn. Edges can also be bound with seam binding. More decorative edging options include lace, crochet, piping and tassels.
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